2550 TEMPERATURE*
2550 A. Introduction
Temperature readings are used in the calculation of various
forms of alkalinity, in studies of saturation and stability with
respect to calcium carbonate, in the calculation of salinity, in
a number of colorimetric tests, and in general laboratory
operations. In limnological studies, knowledge of water tem-
* Approved by Standard Methods Committee, 2010.
2550 B. Laboratory and Field Methods
1. Laboratory and Other Non-Depth Temperature
Measurements
Normally, temperature can be measured using any standard liq-
uid-in-glass or electronic thermometer with an analog or digital
readout. The device should be able to distinguish temperature
changes of 0.1°C or less, and equilibrate rapidly (have a minimal
thermal capacity). Abstain from using mercury-filled thermometers
whenever possible to avoid the possibility of releasing mercury into
the environment if the thermometer breaks. To prevent breakage in
field operations, use a thermometer with a metal case.
Periodically check the device’s bias (within the temperature
range of use) against a reference thermometer certified by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, formerly
National Bureau of Standards) and using tolerances suggested in
NIST Handbook 105-6.* The certified thermometer must be used
with its certificate and correction chart.
A total immersion thermometer is designed to indicate tem-
peratures correctly when the bulb and the entire liquid column
are exposed to the temperature being measured (except for a
minimal emergent length for handling). A partial-immersion
thermometer has a line around it at the immersion distance from
the bottom. It indicates correctly when the bulb and the liquid
column to that line are exposed to the temperature being mea-
sured and the emergent stem is at ambient temperature.
The quality control (QC) practices considered to be an integral
T2020 part of each method are summarized in Table 2020:II.
2. Depth Temperature Measurements
Depth temperatures required for limnological studies may be
measured with a reversing thermometer, thermophone, or thermis-
tor. The thermistor is most convenient and accurate; however,
higher cost may preclude its use. Before field use, verify a temper-
ature measurement device’s calibration according to NIST specifi-
cations. Make readings with the thermometer or device immersed in
* Some commercial thermometers may be as much as 3°C in error.
https://doi.org/10.2105/SMWW.2882.031
peratures as a function of depth often are required. Elevated
temperatures resulting from discharges of heated water may
have significant ecological impact. The source of water sup-
ply, such as deep wells, often can be identified by temperature
measurements alone. Industrial plants often require data on
water temperature for process use or heat-transmission calcu-
lations.
water long enough to permit complete equilibration. Report results
to the nearest 0.1 or 1.0°C, depending on need.
A reversing type thermometer is commonly used for depth
measurements. It often is mounted on the sample-collection
apparatus so a water sample can be obtained simultaneously.
Correct reversing-thermometer readings for changes due to dif-
ferences between temperature at reversal and temperature at time
of reading. Calculate as follows (all units in degrees):
冋 册 冋 册
(T 1⫺t)(T 1⫹V 0) (T 1⫺t)(T 1⫹V 0)
⌬T ⫽ ⫻ 1⫹ ⫹L
K K
where:
⌬T ⫽ correction to be added algebraically to uncorrected reading,
T1 ⫽ uncorrected reading at reversal,
t ⫽ temperature at which thermometer is read,
V0 ⫽ degree volume of thermometer, the volume of small bulb
end of capillary up to 0°C graduation,
K ⫽ constant depending on relative thermal expansion of
mercury and glass (usual value of K ⫽ 6100), and
L ⫽ calibration correction of thermometer depending on T1.
If series observations are made, it is convenient to prepare graphs
for a thermometer to obtain ⌬T from any values of T1 and t.
3. Bibliography
WARREN, H.F. & G.C. WHIPPLE. 1895. The thermophone—A new in-
strument for determining temperatures. Mass. Inst. Technol. Quart.
8:125.
SVERDRUP, H.V., M.W. JOHNSON & R.H. FLEMING. 1942. The Oceans.
Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING & MATERIALS. 1949. Standard Specifi-
cations for ASTM Thermometers; No. E1-58. Philadelphia, Pa.
REE, W.R. 1953. Thermistors for depth thermometry. J. Amer. Water
Works Assoc. 45:259.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY. 1997. Specifications
and Tolerances for Reference Standards and Field Standard
Weights and Measures; NIST Handbook 105-6. Gaithersburg, Md.
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